Burgundy, Provence & Cote d’Azur | May 21 – June 2

Featuring 3-nights on the French Riviera including St. Tropez, Nice and Monte Carlo,  7-nights of cruising the Rhône & Saône River plus 1-night in Lyon

May 21 | US to Nice, France

Today board your overnight flight to Nice, France.

May 22 | Nice, France

Late this morning you will arrive at the Nice airport, where you will be met by your Tour Director and assisted with a transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight meet your fellow travers for a welcome to the French Riviera dinner.

Overnight: Nice – (D)

May 23   Eze | Monaco-Ville | Monte Carlo

Head to the hilltop town of Eze for a brief scenic walking tour along its charming cobblestone streets. Later, explore intimate Monaco-Ville, a sleepy medieval village, before taking in the luxury and beauty of Monte Carlo, famous for its opulent casino.

Overnight: Nice – (B)

May 24   Nice 

Tour the scenic capital of the French Riviera, where tourism has been alive for three centuries. Admire the colorful facades on your walk to Cours Saleya where the local market and flower markets are held. You will continue past the historic opera house made of gleaming white stone and the picturesque Prefecture Palace which served as a hospital during the French Revolution.

Overnight: Nice – (B,D)

May 25   | Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence & Arles

Today you travel to Saint-Tropez! The cities name evokes images of sunbathing celebrities, designer boutiques, and luxury yachts. It’s hard to believe this stylish and upscale town was once just a humble fishing village. Enjoy some free time in town, followed by an included lunch. Next you will visit Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of renowned painter Paul Cézanne. See the highlights of this delightful city known for its provincial markets. This afternoon you arrive in Arles and board the AmaCello in preparation for your 7-night Essence of Provence & Burgundy cruise. – (B,L,D)

May 26   | Arles – Avignon

Arles is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. Or, if you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. In the evening, enjoy a short cruise to Pont d’Avignon bridge, illuminated against the night sky. – (B,L,D)

May 27   | Valence 

Valence is a designated “City of Art and History,” where you can see such sites as its 11th-century Cathedral of St. Apollinaris or perhaps its House of Heads (named for the carved heads of its façade and courtyard) on your city tour. If you  prefer a more relaxing excursion, taste the Northern Rhône’s red Cornas wines. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. – (B,L,D)

May 28   | Vienne – Lyon

Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” If you’re a self-described foodie, our Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. Or get active a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the evening, enjoy a cruise past the city of Lyon, illuminated against the night sky. – (B,L,D

May 29   | Macon & Tournus 

Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey, and the nearby castle Berze-le-Chatel, a well-preserved fortress perched on a rocky hill offering stunning views below. Alternately, you can enjoy a guided bike tour to Berze-le-Chatel. Should architecture or religion be one of your main interests, perhaps choose the excursion to the Royal Monastery of Brou, built in the 16th century and boasting a glorious white façade as well as a   beautifully tiled roof. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or enjoy a delicious tasting of the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. – (B,L,D)

May 30 | Tournus

Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you  explore Tournus. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through the city and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert or visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Saône, or opt for a bike tour if you’re feeling adventurous. – (B,L,D)
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May 31 | Chalon-Sur-Saône 

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Or, visit the storybook Château de Couches, a medieval fortress enveloped in idyllic hills and greenery that once served the Dukes of Burgundy. Later in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines.  – (B,L,D)

June 1 | Lyon

After breakfast you disembark your ship in Chalon-sur-Saône and board you private motor coach and travel to Lyon. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight:  Lyon – (B,D)

June 2 | Home

Bid farewell to Lyon and prepare for your flight home. Memories of your time spent in the French Riviera, Provence  and Burgundy will last forever! – (B)

*itinerary is subject to change